Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 30, 2019 (SKNIS): The formal meeting of the Cabinet took place on Saturday, April 27, 2019. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris. Here are the salient matters that were discussed, and the decisions taken that are designed to advance the growth and development of the country:
- Cabinet reflected on the successful staging of the Department of Agriculture’s 26th Annual Open Day, which took place from 25th to 26thApril under the theme “Food Security For Our Country”. Cabinet commended the farmers, fishers, florists and other stakeholders for their contribution to another fruitful Open Day. Additionally, the Cabinet pledged to provide further support to the sector over the coming years to ensure agriculture’s contribution to GDP, employment opportunities, income generation and contribution to the health of the society.
- Cabinet received a report on the successful house handing over ceremonies that took place in the villages of Molineux and Tabernacle on 25th and 26th April respectively and was given an update on the support to families whose properties were severely damaged during the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
- Mindful of the contribution of the Church to the positive growth and development of the country, Cabinet supported the appointment of marriage officers in several denominations.
- Cabinet approved several submissions for permitting alien land holding licenses to facilitate investors within the Federation.
- Approval was given by Cabinet for the upgrading of the island main road, as well as the resurfacing programme, which will lead to the improvement of the road network, greater ease of travel and safety, and enhancements for pedestrian and vehicular traffic alike.
- Cabinet agreed in collaboration with the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to accord an official funeral to Mr. Herman Liburd, who was a former Speaker of the Federal National Assembly and an exemplary public servant.
- As part of its commitment towards regional travel and regional integration, the Government has acceded to the request for crisis funding to LIAT by its officials and other shareholder governments and has contributed just over one million dollars. The government has further committed to look into the possibility of an MRG (Minimum Revenue Guarantee) to support LIAT’s continued operations.
- Cabinet received on Monday 29th April, a group from SKELEC’s top management, who made a presentation to the Cabinet on alternative energy solutions, which the Cabinet has agreed to consider as a means of lessening dependency on fossil fuels, as well as perfecting a national energy policy.
